Hardwick back at practice, 35 days after surgery

SAN DIEGO – This being the week of Halloween, Chargers center Nick Hardwick was back yesterday in what he called “the costume.”

That would be a practice jersey and helmet, and though Hardwick might still be at least a couple weeks away from game action, his presence with the team on the practice field was a welcome sight for the Chargers. Hardwick was limited to only individual work, but called it “an exciting small step.”

“It felt good to get back in the costume,” Hardwick said. “We don't know how close or far I am yet. It just depends on how I feel tomorrow, and then we'll go stress it again tomorrow and see how I feel. It's a process.”

The fierce anchor in the Chargers' offensive line, Hardwick has been sidelined since the season opener against the Raiders when his left ankle was rolled on during a play that was whistled dead for a delay of game. He had surgery Sept. 23 to repair torn ligaments and was expected to miss at least eight weeks, maybe longer.

So it seems fairly remarkable that Hardwick has been able to return to even limited practice 35 days after his surgery. He still was in a walking boot just a couple of weeks ago.

Even with the seriousness of his injury, the Chargers opted not to put Hardwick on injured reserve, which would have ended his season. His tenacity is why they had faith he'd be back. They knew they could count on Hardwick working as hard as he could to do everything to come back.

“It's just the way he works at it, how mentally tough he is,” quarterback Philip Rivers said. “I'm not surprised because I know how he is. I think anybody else should be. It's a tough deal, what he's coming back off of.”

Hardwick, who said it's been “extremely hard” standing on the sidelines during the Chargers' 3-3 start, said he has set goals for when he wants to return, but wouldn't say what he has in mind.

“The closer it gets, the more anxious I get,” Hardwick said. “But that just fuels you when you're going through the rehab process and fighting through the pain and doing the work that's tedious at times.”

Hardwick and rookie guard Luis Vasquez both went down in the Raiders game, and that forced the Chargers to scramble with their offensive line. Scott Mruczkowski got his first-ever action at center, starting all of the games Hardwick has missed, and first-year lineman Brandyn Dombrowski made two starts in place of Vasquez, who returned for the Pittsburgh game.

Hardwick has been missed, in pass protection and short-yardage situations, but head coach Norv Turner said he has seen improving play from the line.

“It's been a week-to-week basis,” Turner said. “I think Scott each week has improved. He has a better understanding of the things he has to do. I do believe as a group we played our best game on Sunday against Kansas City.”

Siler leads special teams

Reserve inside linebacker Brandon Siler had four special teams tackles Sunday, taking over the team lead with 10 on the season. Siler also played about 15 plays on defense, a season high. He spelled Tim Dobbins, who started in place of the injured Kevin Burnett.

“He's one of those guys who gets the most out of his ability,” Turner said. “He's a great effort guy, and he's a do-anything-you-ask kind of guy. That's a good combination, and that's why he's a successful player for us.”

Nuts 'n' bolts

• Burnett (ankle) and Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) were the only Chargers who did not practice. Hardwick, defensive end Travis Johnson (groin) and linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot) were limited.

• The Chargers said they had fewer than 1,500 tickets left to sell by 1 p.m. Thursday to avoid a blackout on local television for Sunday's game against Oakland. They could ask for a 24-hour extension if the tickets aren't sold Friday.